Amid concerns over Sonam Wangchuk’s health as his hunger strike entered its 20th day on Friday, the activist appeared to keep up the humor at the Kokruch Janta Party (CJP) protest site at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.
Urging support for the march to Parliament scheduled for Monday, July 20, Wangchuk said: “I will survive by any means until July 20 so that I can march to Parliament with all of you.” If our march on July 20 does not succeed, I will return as a ghost!” Follow live updates on Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike
His statements sparked laughter and cheers from his supporters in the audience. July 20 is the day the seasonal session of Parliament begins.
“I may be physically weak, but I am internally strong,” said Wangchuk, who has gone on an indefinite hunger strike over irregularities in competitive exams in India, such as the NEET-UG 2026 exam that had to be canceled after the paper leak scam two months ago.
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The CJP shared a clip of Wangchuk’s speech in which he appeared visibly weak, his voice weak, even though his speech elicited a strong and lively response from the audience.
Call for a march to Parliament on July 20
Last week, Wangchuk called for a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, urging people to “do more” for the movement.
The activist called on people to contribute more to the movement, and said: “If you really want me to survive, instead of sending me messages from the couch at home, you can do a little more. We can all do something together, so this doesn’t happen.”
He added that “the best place” for this is the House of Representatives, because “it is where decisions are made, discussions are held, and policies are made.” He said this would bring “a lot” of changes. “Then I will believe that my country and my life will be saved as well,” Wangchuk said.
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While doctors warned that the continued hunger strike had pushed his health to a critical stage and could deteriorate further if the fast continued, Wangchuk said ending the fast without any response from the government would send the wrong message. Instead, he urged his supporters to promote the CJP’s proposed parliamentary rally scheduled for July 20.
According to the latest medical bulletin issued by Dr Satish Lamba, Wangchuk has lost more than nine kilograms since he began his fast on June 28 and now weighs 56.9 kilograms, news agency PTI reported.
“After depleting glucose reserves, the body consumes fat. After that, the muscles start consuming it. His ketone level reached 3+, and after improving hydration, it dropped to 2+. His uric acid is high, which indicates muscle consumption,” he said.
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The doctor warned of the next stage of deterioration, saying: “The next stage could be worrying. Organs could be affected. We are keeping him under vigil 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and we hope he does not reach this stage.”
He also called for intervention, saying: “I urge the government to intervene as soon as possible because he is a precious jewel and we do not want to lose him. If his organs are affected, it could be very worrying for us.”
Wangchuk has thrown his weight behind the satirical, youth-led movement called the Janta Cockroach Party to demand reforms to the examination system and government accountability. Student organizations including Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS), All India Students Association (AISA) and Students Federation of India (SFI) are also participating in the protest. He spent six months in prison under the National Security Act following the violence in Leh in September last year after being charged with inciting violence through provocative speeches.
